An ore screen subject to intense dynamic vibration and inertial forces experienced numerous weld failures. In 2009, GES Tech Group was retained to investigate the root cause of the repeated failures. Computer simulation using dynamic time history analysis identified deficiencies in the weld design and mounting details. Cyclic stress states were demonstrated to the client over a single vibration cycle, showing stress level sufficient to initiate and propagate fatigue cracks. Recommended corrections were implemented and the issue was corrected.
